Hussey says India the biggest threat to Australia

India have earned the right to be considered the biggest threat to cricketing powerhouse Australia in Tests, star batsman Mike Hussey said.

The Aussies have for several years been cricket's top dogs, their 2005 Ashes loss to England a rare hiccup that was followed by a record-equalling 16-match winning streak.

England and South Africa have at different times threatened to challenge Australia's dominance, but neither have been able to maintain their form.

But now India have staked their claim with a remarkable 72-run win in the third Test at Perth's WACA ground, ending the hosts' winning run of 16 matches and handing them their first defeat since the 2005 Ashes. It was also Australia's first defeat at home since 2003.

India's win followed their defeat in the controversial second Test in Sydney and was based on the effort of a young and largely unheralded seam attack.

Speaking in Adelaide as both teams arrived to prepare for the fourth and final Test, Hussey said the tourists deserved to be recognised as one of the best sides in the world.

The days of India being considered easy pickings away from home are long gone, he said, adding: "India have to be right up there because they're playing so well away from home.

"You know they're always going to be hard to beat in India, but they've had a good result in England during the winter and now they're playing good cricket here in Australia and they did four years ago as well.

"I would hold them in high regard and with more respect because they have that ability and the team to play in all conditions."

However, Australian veteran opening batsman Matthew Hayden warned against reading too much into the result in Perth.

"There's no other side in the world comes close to us when we're playing at our best," Hayden said.

The swing bowling of Ishant Sharma, Irfan Pathan and RP Singh did most of the damage in Perth, but Hussey believes it will be a different story in Adelaide, where India are looking to level the series at 2-2 in the final Test.

Hussey said the probable return of Harbhajan Singh to form a twin spin partnership with captain Anil Kumble offered another challenge.

"They used the conditions very well in Perth, but I don't think it's going to swing as much in Adelaide," Hussey said.

"Having said that, they are obviously a very fine bowling unit, very balanced, be it a matter of swing, seam or spin."

Meanwhile, South Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait believes he is almost certain to be dropped for his home Test. He bowled just 21 overs in Perth and told Adelaide's Advertiser newspaper he was "underdone."